The armature is denoted by a circle with two brushes. Mechanically it is connected to another device called prime mover. The two ends of armature are denoted as A1 - A2. The field winding is shown near armature and the two ends are denoted as . The field winding is shown near armature and the two ends are denoted as F1 - F2. The representation of field very little bit, depending on the type of generator.

The symbolic representation is shown in the Fig. 1. Many times an arrow (↑) is indicated near armature. This arrow denotes the direction of current which induced e.m.f. will set up, when connected to an external load.

Fig. 1 Symbolic representation of d.c. generator

Note : Every practical generator needs a prime mover to rotate its armature. Hence to avoid complexity of the diagram, prime mover need not to be included in the symbolic representation of generator.